Federal officials are asking the city to shift the route of the planned $5.3 billion elevated commuter train away from the Prince Kuhio Federal Building because of security concerns.

In a letter to Honolulu City Council members this month, U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor said the currently proposed route down Halekauwila Street exposes the nearby courthouse to a potential terrorist bombing or attack by a lone individual holding a grudge against a particular judge.

"The guideway structure will be at the same level as the windows of three judges chambers," Gillmor wrote.

Gillmor said she is also concerned that terrorists could do something similar to the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City and the 2004 commuter train bombings in Madrid, Spain.

"We are still at war with terrorists who want to destroy us — and will be for years to come," Gillmor wrote. "Federal buildings have been prime targets.

"The proposed rail transit system on Halekauwila Street would expose the Federal Courthouse to a much greater risk, similar to the train bombings which occurred in Madrid."

The Madrid bombing killed nearly 200 people, while the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City claimed 168 lives.

U.S. District Marshall Mark Hanohano also signed the letter.

In the letter, Gillmor recommends the city shift the train's route to Queen Street, King Street, Beretania Street or others. She also notes that she has met with the city officials and written to the Federal Transit Administration asking for a route change. The FTA is expected to provide $1.2 billion to help fund the project.

According to the letter, city officials have told Gillmor that any change in route must be made by the City Council.

The council is scheduled to meet today to discuss changing the route to bypass Salt Lake in favor of the airport area. A change in the route to Queen Street is not expected to be as major a change in the route. Additionally, construction is not expected to reach the Downtown area for several years, giving officials time to resolve the issue.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann hopes to start construction on the East Kapolei-to-Ala Moana train in December.

Council member Charles Djou yesterday said he will introduce a resolution recommending the change.

"I'm going to introduce a resolution asking for a shift, but the purpose of introducing that resolution will be to open up discussion on this and see does this make sense," he said. "It doesn't sound like a big deal, but we'll see."